Britons are spending an increasing amount of time using all forms of communications and electronic media, including the Internet, mobile phones, TV and radio, according to Ofcom.

The U.K. telecoms regulator has published "The Communications Market 2004," a report on the radio, television and telecommunications sectors.

The reports states that in the past four year consumers have increased their time online eight-fold and tripled the length of mobile phone use, while still managing to watch more TV and listen to more radio.

Per household, Web usage is at 16 hours per week, mobile calls take up 27 minutes a week, radio hits 43.5 hours and the TV is on for 26.1 hours. The average number of text messages sent is 15 a week.

Consumers are also spending more on electronic media, says the report, as households allocate 4 percent of available cash to media and comms services, up from 2.9 percent in 1999.

"Our analysis shows that consumers are setting aside more of both their time and their money for media and communications services. As a result, the market is growing, with new services and innovation at the heart of its development," said Ed Richards, Ofcom's senior partner for strategy and market developments.

Over half of U.K. homes have at least one digital set-top box or TV, with the cheapest terrestrial box now costing just $38 (21 English pounds). There are now 271 TV channels available, 325 radio stations and 130 commercial DAB stations -- 32 of which are digital only.

Last year marked a couple of cross-over points. Firstly, the TV industry made more money from subscriptions than from advertising. Secondly, revenue from mobile phone services exceeded that from fixed line calls.

Broadband services are also booming, with nearly 50,000 new subscribers per week. The 5 million subscriber mark is expected by Ofcom to be passed next month. A third of online households now use broadband and most new Internet connections in the home are direct to broadband.

"The report reveals the extent to which the U.K. is becoming a digital nation, with widespread availability of digital networks of all kinds. This is to be welcomed; the advance of digital technology brings increased consumer choice and greater innovation, through broadband access, digital television, music downloads, digital radio and more," said Richards.

By: DocMemory
Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved